Dr. Maad F. Alsaati, MD
Orthopedic Surgery Consultant
Assistant Professor,College of Medicine at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
Dr.Alsaati is a distinguished orthopedic surgery consultant with extensive clinical experience and a strong commitment to advancing orthopedic practices through research and education. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, he is dedicated to shaping the next generation of medical professionals while providing exceptional patient care.
Dr. Alsaati completed his clinical fellowship in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Surgery at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, University of Western Ontario. He has also held significant leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital and Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at the same institution. His leadership is marked by a focus on quality patient care, evidenced by his successful accreditation efforts, including JCI and CBAHI certifications.
With a passion for research, Dr. Alsaati has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications and presented at national conferences, exploring innovative treatments and techniques, particularly in minimally invasive surgery and personalized medicine. He actively engages in mentoring and teaching, leading workshops and lectures that foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement in orthopedic practice.
Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Dr. Alsaati is not only an expert in his field but also a dedicated educator and researcher, committed to improving patient outcomes and advancing orthopedic science.
Q. Can you share the journey that led you to specialize in orthopedic surgery, and what continues to inspire your passion for this field?
“I was raised in a family where education was the heartbeat of our lives. My father, a senior orthopedic surgeon, was more than just a parent—he was my greatest inspiration. Watching him work with such skill and dedication, transforming lives and bringing relief to so many patients, I saw not just a career, but a calling. His ability to heal and the profound impact he had on others lit a fire in me. From that moment, I knew my future was in orthopedic surgery, where I could follow in his footsteps and strive to make a lasting difference.”
Q.With your extensive experience in both clinical practice and research, how do you see innovative treatments, particularly minimally invasive techniques, transforming patient care in orthopedics?
During my training, I immersed myself in research and publication, which became a gateway to discovering cutting-edge techniques, the latest advancements, and innovative treatments in patient care. I believe this pursuit of knowledge is essential for every orthopedic surgeon. It’s not just about learning—it’s about constantly evolving, pushing boundaries, and honing one’s craft. Engaging in research and collaborating with expert surgeons transforms an ordinary practitioner into a highly skilled and visionary surgeon. It is through this relentless pursuit of excellence that we elevate ourselves and the standard of care we provide.”
Q. As an Assistant Professor at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, what teaching methods do you find most effective in mentoring medical students and residents in orthopedic surgery?
I’ve had the privilege of teaching students at universities across Saudi Arabia and abroad, and what I’ve learned is that the most powerful way to inspire future surgeons is through passion. By creating an environment where students feel free to express their goals and needs, I can show them the true beauty of orthopedics—the remarkable outcomes and the life-changing benefits that come from a correct diagnosis. There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing that spark of excitement in their eyes when they see how their work can directly improve the lives of patients. It’s this blend of passion, mentorship, and discovery that fuels both their growth and mine.”
Q.In your opinion, what are the key challenges currently facing the field of orthopedics, and how can future orthopedic specialists prepare to address these challenges?
One of the key challenges for aspiring orthopedic surgeons is the lack of early exposure and hands-on experience, compounded by the limited access to anatomical, skills, and simulation labs. These barriers can hinder growth, but they also present an opportunity for innovation and perseverance. To overcome these challenges, an orthopedic surgeon must have an open mind, embrace the realities of the field, and actively seek out opportunities for learning. Whether it’s through reaching out to senior surgeons, attending conferences, or participating in major meetings, those who are proactive and relentless in their pursuit of excellence will find the path to success. It’s about forging your own journey and refusing to let obstacles stand in the way of your development.”
Q.Your leadership roles, including CEO at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, reflect a commitment to excellence. How do you balance administrative responsibilities with clinical practice and teaching?
In 2020, I was honored to be nominated as the CEO of King Abdullah and Abdulaziz University Hospital—a role that recognized not only my dedication but my leadership in both outpatient and surgical cases. The transition was challenging, but my passion for both surgery and leadership drove me to find a way to excel in both. Every morning, I meticulously planned my agenda, ensuring that I completed my executive responsibilities early in the day, leaving ample time for my surgical work without compromise. Balancing these demanding roles was no easy feat, but my unwavering commitment to achieving success in both realms pushed me forward. It wasn’t just about being a surgeon or a CEO—it was about mastering both and striving for excellence in every aspect of my life.
Q.Can you elaborate on your experience as the Chairman of the Sports Medicine Chapter of the Saudi Orthopedic Association? What initiatives did you implement to advance sports medicine in the region?
As chairman of the Sports Medicine Chapter, one of my first leadership roles, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and privilege, trusted by my colleagues to lead and innovate. I made a promise to myself: I would share this journey with as many people as possible and elevate the field of sports medicine together. During my tenure, I had the honor of overseeing the organization of an international conference right here in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Asian Federation of Sports Medicine. As chairman of the scientific committee, I worked alongside esteemed colleagues from across the country, united by our passion for advancing sports medicine. This experience was a testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision, and it fueled my drive to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”
Q.What role does collaboration play in orthopedic research, and how do you foster partnerships with other healthcare professionals and researchers?
I firmly believe that no one can achieve greatness alone. True success comes from collaboration and learning from others. By working with diverse teams and organizations, you gain invaluable insights and avoid the mistakes others have made, accelerating your path to success. Researching alongside different institutions not only expands your expertise but also fosters innovation that would be impossible in isolation. I strongly advocate for collaboration—it is the key to unlocking new possibilities, achieving your goals more effectively, and ultimately pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished. Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.
Q.You have experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including leadership positions in hospitals.
One of my deepest dreams is to establish new hospitals, shaping them into centers of excellence from the ground up. I’ve had the privilege of working at various institutions, including Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, King Abdullah University Hospital, and private hospitals, all of which I helped start from scratch. There’s a unique joy in performing surgeries while simultaneously building hospitals that embody innovation, efficiency, and exceptional patient care. For me, it’s not just about the operations I perform—it’s about creating institutions that thrive under strong management and deliver lasting impact. This journey of opening new hospitals fuels my passion, allowing me to leave a legacy of quality healthcare wherever I go.
Q.How do you ensure that quality patient care remains a priority in these environments?
A- Quality treatment begins the moment we choose to see our patients not just as individuals in need of care, but as valued members of our own family. True healing starts with empathy—listening deeply to their concerns and understanding their stories. By approaching each patient with compassion and respect, we empower them to share openly, creating a partnership in their care. When we align our actions with guiding principles of treatment, we unlock the potential for remarkable outcomes. Let us embrace this transformative approach and commit to a healing journey that honors the dignity of every individual we serve. Together, we can turn challenges into triumphs, fostering hope and health in every encounter.
Q.Looking ahead, what advancements or trends in orthopedic surgery are you most excited about, and how do you envision contributing to these developments in your future work?
As we look to the future, we stand on the brink of an extraordinary transformation—an era defined by artificial intelligence and robotics. Our kingdom is poised to lead this revolution, empowering our doctors and surgeons with the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery. Imagine a future where cutting-edge technology enhances our skills, elevates patient care, and reshapes the very fabric of healthcare. Together, we can seize this opportunity and position our kingdom at the forefront of medical innovation. The vision is clear, and the time is now. Let’s embrace this journey toward excellence and make our mark on the future of medicine.